Proverbs 29

Berean Standard Bible

Chapter summary

Proverbs 29 presents a series of contrasting observations concerning rulers, the righteous, fools, and the wicked within society. The text describes how kings establish stability through justice or demolish a land through extortion, while noting the societal reactions when the righteous flourish or the wicked rule. Various verses contrast the behaviors and outcomes of wise individuals, who bring joy to their parents and turn away anger, with the actions of fools, mockers, and the hot-tempered. Additional statements address domestic discipline, servant management, the consequences of pride and anger, and the dynamics between the upright and the wicked in legal and social interactions.

Summary automatically generated from the Bible text.

Words of Jesus in red

¹A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery. ²When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. ³A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. ⁴By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it. ⁵A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. ⁶An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices. ⁷The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns. ⁸Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger. ⁹If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution. ¹⁰Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life. ¹¹A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. ¹²If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked. ¹³The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both. ¹⁴A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever. ¹⁵A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. ¹⁶When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall. ¹⁷Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul. ¹⁸Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law. ¹⁹A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond. ²⁰Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. ²¹A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end. ²²An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. ²³A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor. ²⁴A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath but does not testify. ²⁵The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high. ²⁶Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD. ²⁷An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.

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Louis Segond 1910 and Berean Standard Bible: public domain. Cross references: open-cross-ref, Creative Commons BY 4.0.